Eren and Korran were walking together toward Havenbrook City.
Eren's mind drifted back to what happened earlier.
Well, well... that was a close call. That fucking cat could've killed me unlimited times. I'm glad I didn't go against him.
As they walked along the dirt road, the trees around them grew denser. Eren suddenly noticed something hanging upside down from the branches — bats, each the size of a grown man.
Eren's eyes widened.
If bats are this big, what about eagles? How big can an eagle be in this world?
He wondered if there were talking eagles like Korran. This world was full of strange and terrifying creatures. Deer, rabbits, mice, and birds filled the forest — all of them much larger than their original Earth versions. Some were massive, while others were only slightly oversized.
Seeing this, Eren couldn't help but wonder, Does the parasite affect every creature differently?
There were too many questions in his head. Still, he noticed something peculiar — no predators attacked them. It seemed Korran's presence alone was enough to scare off anything nearby.
The sun dipped low in the sky. Evening crept in, and at last, the city walls of Havenbrook came into view. The tall stone structures looked ancient, their edges glowing faintly from the light of flaming towers that surrounded the city.
Eren frowned.
So there's no electricity? No bulbs? What's with all those fire towers...
As they approached the city gates, two guards stood watch. They looked like something out of England in the 1900s — uniformed coats, small helmets, and swords hanging at their belts.
When Eren and Korran got close, the guards didn't ask a single question. They simply nodded and let them through.
Eren had already figured out that Korran was a big deal around here, so he wasn't surprised.
"Hey," Eren muttered, exhausted, "I'm too tired. Where are we going?"
Korran replied calmly, "I know a place where we can stay."
As they walked through the streets, Eren looked around in awe. The city felt like a miniature version of old England — stone houses, cobbled roads, people dressed in outdated but refined clothing. It was as if he'd stepped back in time.
Shops lined both sides of the street — stalls selling meat, books, melee weapons, and clothing. Fruit vendors displayed fruits so massive that Eren needed both hands just to lift one. There were smaller stalls too, selling decorative lamps.
Outside every house, lamps hung from hooks, glowing with bright, steady flames.
Eren squinted. Inside each lamp was a small piece of dried meat, burning without smoke.
So that's why the towers aren't smoking either... he realized.
The streets were clean, the buildings perfectly aligned — carved from stone and sand, without any visible sign of modern machinery. Eren couldn't help but wonder, How the hell did they build all this without technology?
As they crossed a stone bridge over a river cutting through the city, they finally reached a lodge.
Inside, a receptionist greeted them warmly.
Korran said, "We need two rooms."
He placed two golden coins on the counter — each worth a thousand — and on the back of each coin was the engraving of a long-haired man.
The receptionist handed them their keys. Each key had a number engraved into it.
"Thanks, Korran," Eren said. "I owe you money."
Korran chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm not babysitting you forever. You need to stand on your own. Not many people here will help you. I'm leaving early in the morning — I've got work to do. Hopefully, we'll meet again."
Eren nodded. "Thanks again... for everything."
They both went to their rooms.
Eren closed his door and muttered, "Fucking cat... I guess that's the use of you."
---
Next Morning
Early in the morning, sunlight hit Eren's face. He groaned and stretched.
Guess I should explore the city more today.
After washing up, he stepped out into the busy streets. People filled the roads — merchants shouting, children laughing, carriages passing by. Everything seemed normal, as if none of these people had powers.
Children played tag on the street, smiling and carefree. Something about it annoyed Eren.
As he walked past, he suddenly slapped one of the kids on the back of the head — quick and quiet enough that nobody else noticed.
Why the fuck are you laughing, dickhead? he thought coldly.
The kid turned around, his eyes watering. At his fingertips, Eren saw tiny flames flickering — the boy's power manifesting from anger or fear.
Eren instantly shifted his expression, pretending to browse a nearby shop. "How much for that lamp?" he asked casually.
The shopkeeper started explaining prices while Eren kept his eyes on the child.
That was close... what if that brat had burned me? I can't even die. Fucking nightmare fuel.
As he walked away, he noticed another strange thing — no vegetable stalls anywhere. Only fruits.
Yeah... that's what happens when the food chain collapses.
A bit further down the road, he spotted a massive stone building with a signboard that read:
"Hunter's Guild."
Eren stopped and stared.
Is this seriously turning into an isekai world?
He pushed the door open. Inside were two receptionists behind a long wooden counter.
"Welcome to the Hunter's Guild. How can I help you, sir?" one of them asked.
Eren replied with his most innocent voice, "I don't really know much about the guild."
"Oh! Then please take this manual," she said, handing him a small booklet.
Eren sat down nearby and began to read.
The manual explained everything — how the guild worked, how hunters earned money, and what benefits they received. Guild members hunted strong beasts, many of which had developed strange powers. There were even wanted lists for dangerous people.
The guild existed to protect ordinary citizens — those too weak to defend themselves.
Eren closed the manual. "Ahh, that's it, I guess."
He walked back to the counter. "How do I join?"
The receptionist smiled and handed him a form.
It asked for name, address, relatives, friends, party name, and thumbprint.
Eren filled it in carefully:
Name: Eren Drayce
Address: Havenbrook
Relatives/Friends: — (blank)
Party: — (blank)
He pressed his thumb into the ink and left a clear impression, then handed it back.
The receptionist nodded. "We'll deduct your entry fee from your first mission reward. You'll get your hunter card tomorrow. Here—" she handed him a token. "Bring this when you come back."
Eren took it with a grin.
"Thanks for coming," the receptionist added.
Eren slipped the token into his pocket.
A new world, new rules... let's see how deep this rabbit hole goes.
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